IN PICTURES: National Ploughing Championship MD launches HSE guide for Laois and Offaly older people

Laois legend Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, a shining example of how to keep living your best life into old age, has launched a HSE directory to help others do the same.

The directory is available free to older people in Laois and Offaly to give them the contacts and supports to keep on living independently and well at home. Full story below this gallery of photos. Tap NEXT to view them all.

At the launch, Ms McHugh congratulated all involved in the HSE Midlands' directory of services and information.

“I am delighted to be here today to officially launch this directory and to meet the key groups who have developed this very important resource for the community. It is important that people know who and where they can reach out to for information and support and I would like to congratulate all who have been involved in its development,” she said.

The directory was developed by a working group of HSE, other statutory agencies, community and voluntary partners, to link community assets across many sectors.

They found that loneliness is a real problem after consultation with older people across Laois and Offaly. A need was identified to signpost opportunities for supports, resources and ways to form better social connections.

The Directory gives information and contact details for services and people to contact so older people stay well at home, such as  health or social care services. 

There are sections on Transport and Entitlements, supports such as Day Care or Lunch Clubs, and a list of groups and activities in a full chapter on ‘Social Leisure and Educational Activities’. 

It also provides information on the HSE social prescribing service and cites the contact details for social prescribers in both Laois and Offaly.

Eileen Hughes is Midlands Regional Age Friendly Programme Manager with Age Friendly Ireland.

“We are delighted to work with HSE Midlands and all bodies across the community to bring this important resource together. The effects of social isolation and loneliness on mortality are comparable to that of other well-established risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. The consultation has provided valuable insight into the needs of older people in Laois and Offaly and we believe this resource will be of benefit to all across our communities,” she said.

Dr Donal Fitzsimons is Head of Service, Older Persons Services, Midlands Louth Meath CHO.

“the HSE is committed to supporting older people to live at home. The collaborative work of the Living Well at Home group sharing information and resources to support older people to live well at home is commendable.  The Directory provides information on the range of supports and provides valuable information on health and social care services for the people living in Laois and Offaly,” he said.

Fiona Murphy is HSE Head of Health and Wellbeing for CHO Midlands, Louth & Meath.

“Promoting Healthy Ageing is a key element of the Healthy Ireland Implementation Plan. We want to support older people to age well in their own communities. The work of the Living Well at Home group and the consultation with older people living in Counties Laois and Offaly is key to developing initiatives that respond to local need. This Directory will be a valuable information resource for people to access local supports, services and activities. Well done to all involved.”

Pick up a copy of the directory from health care front line staff, and in public offices or download it on hse.ie here